Quick Cheesy Ranch-Chicken Pasta Bake
This quick-baked dinner casserole combines pasta noodles and cooked shredded chicken with a packet of dry ranch dressing and not 1, not 2 but 3 different types of cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. This cheesy chicken casserole also ditches the canned soup called for in so many classic casseroles. Instead, it features a made-from-scratch velvety sauce. Craving a spicy twist? Toss in shredded pepper jack cheese for extra kick!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups chicken (cooked and chopped)
- 1 packet ranch salad dressing (1 ounce)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan, add garlic and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in half-and-half stirring for about 2 minutes until it is warm. Add parmesan and cook until it starts to slightly thicken, about 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- While making the sauce, bring water to boil in a large pot and cook pasta, drain and place in prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken and dry ranch dressing. Place chicken over pasta and pour the sauce over the chicken. Top with cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until just bubbly and heated through.
Video
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- You can make this in advance and freeze or refrigerate prior to baking.
- For leftovers, cover with aluminum foil and heat in the oven at 350º.
- It's easy to cook your own chicken, follow this recipe.
- You can make this spicy by adding Pepper Jack cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 479mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 872IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 401mg | Iron: 1mg
